Reporting Ritchiehttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com
All things sportMon, 11 Dec 2017 17:46:59 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngReporting Ritchiehttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com
“We haven’t come to watch you ref!”https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/we-havent-come-to-watch-you-ref/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/we-havent-come-to-watch-you-ref/#respondMon, 11 Dec 2017 17:46:55 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1247]]>A shout heard all too often at games lower down the English football pyramid. And it’s true, the fans are there to watch football. Which is why the egocentric actions of top-flight officials have a negative trickledown affect on officials in the lower divisions and on Sunday mornings.

Take Mark Clattenburg and his comments on the now infamous Chelsea vs Tottenham game in 2016 for example. Clattenburg said he “allowed Tottenham to self-destruct” so that he wasn’t in the media spotlight. Yet the role of the referee is to enforce the laws, not to build or protect their own ego. Referee’s never give their post-match thoughts, which is a much-needed addition and would potentially earn them a lot more respect, and are often seen as ‘untouchable’ to players and managers. Referee’s command a huge amount of scrutiny, but like manager’s and players do, they must be afforded the chance to justify their decision making, as the role they play can often be crucial.

Another problem is that it can sometimes appear that an official is desperate to be the centre of attention. A game can be smoothly moving a long, and then an innocuous challenge sees a red card brandished or a spot-kick given. They go looking for the big decision when it isn’t there. Take the Brighton vs Liverpool game for example. Liverpool are cruising along at 3-0, the referee has control of the game and has gone largely unnoticed. And then after minimal contact from a corner he points to the spot. And this has an effect on lower-league officials who believe they must make a big decision and try to stamp their authority on the game. They should focus on controlling the game, rather than controlling the outcome.

But those who suffer are the referees who get up early on a Sunday morning. Perfectly competent officials, either embarking on a career or becoming one of the best at that level. The torrent of abuse they receive is completely unacceptable, and players should be rightly punished. Perhaps the reason why this abuse occurs is the disdain which players hold officials in, due to the actions of those at the top who appear untouchable. But you are far from untouchable on your local park, and the players use that to their advantage, making it unpleasant for some referees and driving some excellent officials away from the game. But this issue must be tackled from the referees perspective and the players.

The quality of refereeing in Britain has not been good enough for a long-time, and maybe we need to start from the top down to solve the problem. Getting officials and players on the same side is critical, and work must be done to make referees seem approachable on the pitch, and to ensure they only make the ‘big’ decision if it is there to be made. They shouldn’t go looking for it. Remember, the best referees go unnoticed in the stands.

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/we-havent-come-to-watch-you-ref/feed/00000000thomasritchie2014Preview: Hednesford Town vs Farsley Celtichttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/preview-hednesford-town-vs-farsley-celtic/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/preview-hednesford-town-vs-farsley-celtic/#respondFri, 01 Dec 2017 15:40:49 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1245]]>Farsley Celtic travel to Hednesford Town in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division on Saturday, looking to get back to winning ways.

Farsley enter the game on the back of a very disappointing 1-0 defeat to bottom of the table Sutton Coldfield Town, and will be desperate to bounce back ahead of an important month. Prior to last weekend’s defeat the Celts had been unbeaten throughout November, drawing with Workington (3-3) and Buxton (3-3), whilst defeating Brighouse Town (2-0) and Stafford Rangers (2-0). Farsley will be without James Pollard who has moved on to Shaw Lane AFC, however will be hoping Danny Ellis and Graeme McKibbin are both ready to go, with Adam Clayton also returning from suspension. Ahead of the game Farsley manager Adam Lakeland said “It’s frustrating and I am looking for a reaction from the players”, going on to add “[to] come home to bottom of the league and lose 0-1 simply isn’t good enough and I expect better than that.”

Hednesford Town have been inconsistent so far this season, and sit 13th in the table with 29 points after 22 games. Hednesford have won their last two games, with victories over Stalybridge Celtic (2-1) and Newcastle Town (1-0), however before that had gone four games without a win, losing to Grantham Town (3-1) and Cleethorpes Town (2-1), whilst drawing with Barwell (1-1) and Cleethorpes Town (1-1). Ben Bailey, Jim Mutton, Tom Thorley and Danny Glover are all injury doubts, however James Fitzgibbon should return from injury and Laurence Taylor has joined the club on loan from Altrincham.

The game takes place on Saturday at Keys Park, postcode WS12 2DZ. Kick off is 3pm, and admission prices are £11 adults and £7 concessions, with an extra £1 to sit. If you can’t make the game you can follow all the action on Twitter with @FarsleyCelticFC.

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/preview-hednesford-town-vs-farsley-celtic/feed/0IMG_1277thomasritchie2014Report: Farsley Celtic 0-1 Sutton Coldfield Townhttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/25/report-farsley-celtic-0-1-sutton-coldfield-town/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/25/report-farsley-celtic-0-1-sutton-coldfield-town/#respondSat, 25 Nov 2017 20:23:51 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1243]]>Farsley Celtic were stunned by bottom of the table Sutton Coldfield Town at a cold and bitter Throstle Nest, as they were defeated 1-0.

The only goal of the game came on two minutes, with Farsley lacking a creative spark to break down a resolute and well organised Sutton defence.

It was Gurjit Singh who gave the visitors the crucial early lead, the ball dropping kindly to Singh on the edge of the box and he fired home on the half-volley.

Ryan Watson then had a couple of half chances for Farsley but failed to hit the target, yet it was Sutton who almost doubled their advantage when Singh crossed to Lee Smith who had his header superbly saved by Kyle Trenerry.

Danny O’Callaghan was the next to go close for Sutton, as he raced through on goal despite appearing to be offside, however he was denied by Trenerry who quickly raced off his line to close the angle and make the stop.

Farsley then had a fantastic chance to equalise at the start of the second half, as Adam Priestley made a bursting run down the right and his cross found its way through to Ben Atkinson, with his shot travelling inches wide of the upright.

Matt Waters then came close for the Royals twice, his first effort being tipped round the upright by Trenerry, before he then turned Lee Smith’s cross wide at the far post when it seemed easier to score.

Farsley began searching for an all-important equaliser, with Lewis Turner having his header cleared off the line before Ryan Watson’s effort from 25 yards out clipped the top of the crossbar.

Tyler Lyttle struck the post for Sutton with an overhit cross as he almost wrapped up the points, before Farsley countered and Adam Priestley was denied one-on-one by Nick Draper who made a crucial save.

Priestley had another chance just a minute later, as he was picked out by Paul Walker but failed to keep his shot down with Draper doing well to narrow the angle, and Sutton were able to hang on for their first three points since September.

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/25/report-farsley-celtic-0-1-sutton-coldfield-town/feed/0IMG_1277thomasritchie2014Preview: Farsley Celtic vs Sutton Coldfield Town (25/11/17)https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/24/preview-farsley-celtic-vs-sutton-coldfield-town-25-11-17/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/24/preview-farsley-celtic-vs-sutton-coldfield-town-25-11-17/#respondFri, 24 Nov 2017 16:28:40 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1241]]>Farsley Celtic welcome lowly Sutton Coldfield Town to Throstle Nest on Saturday, as the Celts return home for the first time since 4th November.

Farsley are currently fifth in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and are firmly in the play-off race in their first season in the division. After a rough patch without a win in seven, The Celts have regained their early season form and are four games unbeaten. Farsley have drawn with Workington (3-3) and Buxton (3-3), whilst defeating Brighouse Town (2-0) in the West Riding County Cup, and most recently beating Stafford Rangers 2-0. Farsley could be without Nathan Turner, Richard Marshall and Graeme McKibbin who are all injury doubts, however new signing Lewis Turner could be in line to make his home debut, and James Walshaw’s replacement Nathan Cartman will be back at Throstle Nest.

Sutton Coldfield Town maintained their NPL place by the skin of their teeth last season, and are firmly in a relegation battle once more. Sutton are bottom of the table and are seven points away from safety. The Royals are 12 games without a win, their last victory coming on 23rd September with a 2-1 win over Buxton. Sutton Coldfield have also scored just one goal in their last five games whilst conceding 62 goals so far this season, and head into the game following a 4-0 defeat to Altrincham. They have no apparent injury concerns.

The game takes place on Saturday at Throstle Nest, postcode LS28 5BE. Kick-off is at 3pm and admission prices are just £8 adults, £5 concessions and £1 U16s. See you there!

Photo: John McEvoy

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/24/preview-farsley-celtic-vs-sutton-coldfield-town-25-11-17/feed/0IMG_1277thomasritchie2014Preview: Stafford Rangers vs Farsley Celtic (18/11/17)https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/17/preview-stafford-rangers-vs-farsley-celtic-18-11-17/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/17/preview-stafford-rangers-vs-farsley-celtic-18-11-17/#respondFri, 17 Nov 2017 17:03:53 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1239]]>Farsley Celtic travel to Stafford Rangers on Saturday as both clubs look to get back to winning ways. This is the first meeting between the two clubs since Farsley reformed, the last time a Farsley side played Stafford was eight years ago in August 2009.

Farsley are without a defeat in three games, drawing in the league with Workington (3-3) and Buxton (3-3), whilst progressing to the West Riding County Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Brighouse Town. Four of The Celts’ last six matches have now finished 3-3 after 90 minutes. Farsley are without a win in five league games, their last win a 2-0 victory at home to Nantwich Town on the 7th October. New signing Lewis Turner is in contention to make his first appearance for the club, the ex-Harrogate Town player and twin brother of Farsley midfielder Nathan officially joining the club this week. Ahead of the game Farsley manager Adam Lakeland said “We’ve only actually lost once in our last 13 games over 90 minutes, which was to Mickleover, so in terms of our form we are going quite well and have shown our character, resilience and qualities on a regular basis, now we need to turn these draws into wins and we will be fine.”

Stafford Rangers currently sit 12th in the Evo-Stik NPL, five points behind Farsley with a game in hand. Stafford had been on an excellent run of just one defeat in ten, with impressive victories over Ashton United (1-0), St Ives FC (6-0) and Farsley’s FA Trophy conqueror South Shields (3-1). However they were brought back down to earth on Tuesday with a crushing 4-0 defeat at home to lowly Rushall Olympic. They have no apparent injury concerns.

Tomorrow’s game takes place at Marston Road, postcode ST16 3UP. Kick off is at 3pm and admission prices are £10 adults, £7 concessions and £1 U16s. If you can’t make the game you can follow it on Twitter with @FarsleyCelticFC.

Photo: John McEvoy

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/17/preview-stafford-rangers-vs-farsley-celtic-18-11-17/feed/0IMG_1277thomasritchie2014Celts March On In County Cup – Reporthttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/06/celts-march-on-in-county-cup-report/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/06/celts-march-on-in-county-cup-report/#respondMon, 06 Nov 2017 23:18:24 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1236]]>Farsley Celtic bounced back to winning ways as they ground out an ultimately comfortable 2-0 win over Brighouse Town in the West Riding County Cup 2nd round.

Adam Porritt and Ben Atkinson were on the scoresheet for Farsley, the Celts keeping their first clean sheet since October 7th, but Brighouse kept fighting until the end.

Both sides lacked a creative spark early on, but it was Farsley who produced the first opportunity after a fantastic ball from Ryan Watson found Adam Porritt whose effort was blocked. From the resulting corner Watson shot just wide on the half-volley from the edge of the box.

Brighouse’s Adam Shaw was the brightest player in the early stages as he had a shot deflected wide, before moments later he had an effort blocked by Isaac Baldwin.

Farsley then came close to breaking the deadlock as Paul Walker made an excellent run down the left and found Adam Porritt, only for Harry Stead to make a fine save in the Brighouse goal.

Paul Walker was the next to be denied with Stead saving his low effort, before Ryan Watson failed to capitalise on some excellent build-up play, flashing his shot across the face of the goal and wide.

Just before the hour mark Brighouse almost found the opener as Gabriel Johnson found space in the box, however his strike was cleared off the line.

Adam Porritt then fortuitously gave the Celts the lead, as a horribly overhit cross crept into the top corner with Stead helpless.

After a brief period of the referee handing out cautions left, right and centre, James Pollard was bizarrely shown a second yellow card for allegedly kicking the ball away, which incensed the Farsley dugout.

However, it failed to have a profound impact on the game as just three minutes later Ben Atkinson cut in from the left, skipped past two defenders and fired home to double Farsley’s advantage against his former club.

Luke Parkin had a fantastic opportunity to seal the victory with 10 minutes remaining as he latched onto Harley Wigley’s misplaced header, only for Harry Stead to race off his line and make a vital intervention.

The hosts almost pulled one back through Ferdinand Annor, however his shot from a tight angle was saved well by Farsley shot-stopper Kyle Trenerry.

Just moments later Isaac Baldwin came inches away from adding a third for the visitors, his curling effort from the edge of the box superbly tipped onto the crossbar by Stead.

Brighouse had a couple of half chances in the closing moments with substitute Aaron Martin firing wide and Ferdinand Annor shooting over, however Farsley were good value for their win.

The Celts will now travel to the winner of the tie between Campion and Albion Sports in the quarter-finals.

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/06/celts-march-on-in-county-cup-report/feed/002thomasritchie2014Report: Farsley Celtic 3-3 Workingtonhttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/report-farsley-celtic-3-3-workington/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/report-farsley-celtic-3-3-workington/#respondSat, 04 Nov 2017 20:07:25 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1233]]>Workington scored two injury time goals including a 96th minute equaliser from Matthew Douglas to snatch a dramatic point at Throstle Nest as they drew 3-3 with Farsley Celtic.

Farsley’s James Walshaw hit his first hattrick of the season, despite missing a penalty, however it was not enough for the three points as Scott Allison and Douglas pounced in injury time for the visitors.

Speaking after the match, Workington manager Dave Hewson was elated with the point, saying “To be 3-1 down and dead and buried, and then comeback, you get one back and think maybe just maybe, one more chance, one more ball in the box, who knows what can happen. That’s football, it’s cruel at times, cruel on Farsley, but obviously jubilation for us to come away with a point.”

Workington had taken an early lead as Samuel Joel played through Connor Tinnion who slotted home, following a poor goal-kick from Graeme McKibbin.

However, the hosts responded immediately with Danny Ellis’ cross being flicked on by Adam Clayton to James Walshaw who headed home to equalise.

Midway through the first half Farsley had a chance to take the lead. Paul Walker played a delightful chipped pass on to Luke Parkin who crossed for James Walshaw, but his strike was excellently saved by Aaron Taylor.

Farsley did then take the lead after Paul Walker made a terrific run, with his cross falling to James Walshaw via a deflection, and he smashed home from close range.

The impressive Samuel Joel came close to drawing Workington level, as he twisted and turned on the edge of the box, his effort being pushed round the post by substitute ‘keeper Kyle Trenerry.

James Walshaw almost had a first half hattrick as he latched onto a terrific through ball from Paul Walker only to drag his shot just wide of the upright.

Farsley were awarded a penalty in the second-half as James Walshaw was pushed over in the box following a Ryan Watson cross, however Workington shot stopper Aaron Taylor made a fantastic save to deny Walshaw his third.

Walshaw did secure his hattrick and thought he’d settled matters with 15 minutes remaining as he intercepted a weak back pass from David Symington and rounded Taylor before slotting home.

Workington were handed a lifeline in the first minute of injury time as Scott Allison found himself in behind the defence and volleyed into the top corner from close range.

And in the sixth minute of injury time Workington’s Matthew Douglas beat Kyle Trenerry in the air from a free-kick to spark jubilant celebrations in the away end.

Farsley manager Adam Lakeland lambasted referee Matt Sowerby’s performance, saying “I don’t know where the referee’s got that time from, he’s added five on for a kick-off which he couldn’t explain. I’d bet a lot of money that’s a foul on my goalkeeper at the end, whether he’s right or wrong I’ll only know when I’ve watched the game back, but if he is wrong and it’s a foul which we feel it is, it’s a big mistake. At no stage was there any communication about time added on, and week after week I don’t think the men in the middle are anywhere near good enough.”

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/10/30/farsley-celtic-1-1-south-shields-full-highlights/feed/0img_1926thomasritchie2014Preview: South Shields vs Farsley Celtichttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/10/30/preview-south-shields-vs-farsley-celtic/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/10/30/preview-south-shields-vs-farsley-celtic/#respondMon, 30 Oct 2017 22:51:24 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1227]]>Farsley Celtic and South Shields will battle it out for a third time in two weeks on Tuesday, with a trip to Stafford Rangers in the FA Trophy 2nd qualifying round at stake. A Carl Finnigan penalty cancelled out James Walshaw’s opener in Saturday’s draw, with the previous meeting in the Integro League Cup seeing South Shields prevail on penalties following a 2-2 draw at Mariners Park.

The Celts are without a win in five, although conversely have lost just one of their last nine games. In their last five Farsley have drawn with Lancaster City (1-1), South Shields twice (2-2 and 1-1) and Ashton United (3-3), whilst losing to Mickleover Sports (3-0). Farsley will be without the services of the injured Richard Marshall and Nathan Turner, whilst Adam Porritt will be a doubt after missing the original tie. Ahead of the game Farsley manager Adam Lakeland said “It is unfortunate not to see the game out with only a couple of minutes to go, but we will dust ourselves down and look to go again on Tuesday in what will be another competitive and exciting game.”

South Shields are still yet to lose an FA Trophy game, with this being the FA Vase champions’ first campaign in the competition. The Mariners defeated Scarborough Athletic 5-2 in the preliminary round, before scoring an injury-time equaliser at Throstle Nest on Saturday to secure the draw. South Shields are now unbeaten in four games with draws against Farsley Celtic twice, and wins over Mossley (3-2) and Jarrow Roofing (4-0). Their last defeat came to National League side Hartlepool United (2-1) in the FA Cup 4th qualifying round. They have no apparent injury concerns.

The game takes place on Tuesday at Mariners Park, postcode NE32 3UP. Kick off is at 7.45pm with admission prices £8 adults, £6 adults and £2 U16s. If you can’t make the game there will be updates on Twitter with @FarsleyCelticFC or you can listen to the game on Live Sports FM HERE.

]]>https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/10/30/preview-south-shields-vs-farsley-celtic/feed/0IMG_1277thomasritchie2014Report: Farsley Celtic 1-1 South Shieldshttps://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/10/28/report-farsley-celtic-1-1-south-shields/
https://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/2017/10/28/report-farsley-celtic-1-1-south-shields/#respondSat, 28 Oct 2017 17:36:41 +0000http://sportsreporterleeds.wordpress.com/?p=1221]]>Farsley Celtic and South Shields will go again on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw at Throstle Nest, Carl Finnigan scoring a 91st minute penalty for South Shields to force a replay and a third meeting between the two sides in two weeks.

Graeme McKibbin was excellent throughout and looked impenetrable, with a penalty required for South Shields to finally beat the Farsley ‘keeper.

South Shields created a plethora of early chances and should have been in front if not for the heroics of Graeme McKibbin. He twice saved from Gavin Cogdon, once when the Mariners striker was through on goal, but the pick of the saves was from a Robert Briggs’ header as he superbly tipped it round the post.

Briggs came close to giving the visitors the lead again, however a curling effort from the edge of the box was terrifically saved by Farsley shot-stopper McKibbin.

Farsley started to grow into the game with James Walshaw heading just wide from a Ryan Watson cross, and then coming close minutes later as his strike was pushed away to safety by Liam Connell.

Connell saved again to deny Luke Parkin, as he plucked his long range strike out of mid-air as it was heading towards the top corner.

Gavin Cogdon continued to cause problems for the Farsley defence in the second half, as he wriggled free in the box and produced yet another fine save from Graeme McKibbin.

With just over 25 minutes remaining Farsley took the lead with Luke Parkin hooking in a cross and James Walshaw flinging himself at full stretch at the near post to superbly head home.

Walshaw almost doubled Farsley’s lead immediately as he was played in by Paul Walker, with his shot on the turn excellently saved by Liam Connell.

Paul Walker was the next to come close for Farsley as he skipped past two South Shields defenders and then curled agonizingly wide of the upright.

South Shields then piled on the pressure as Farsley sat back and were rewarded with a penalty in added time as substitute Jamie Holmes was fouled in the box. Carl Finnigan coolly slotted home the spot-kick as he sent Graeme McKibbin the wrong way.

The Mariners almost snatched the win in the dying moments with an almighty scramble in the box, Graeme McKibbin eventually making the save, rounding out an excellent performance from the ‘keeper and ensuring that both sides will have a second opportunity to secure progression on Tuesday.